AustLit

'A Lady with a private passion, a merchant who loves above his station, a shared yearning for travel, a conflict of perception, an unexpected enemy, a love born in adversity.

'Lady Primrose Gardenbrook is obsessed by art, and is a talented artist herself – but she is also obsessed by Mr Gabriel Morton, a man that most of the ton regard as beneath her, for he is commoner born and a merchant. Nonetheless, she is determined to pursue a better acquaintance, no matter what it takes.

'Mr Gabriel Morton has been more than half in love with Lady Primrose from the moment that he met her – but is wise enough to know that a Duke’s daughter is most unlikely to consider him, no matter his wealth, or highly placed connections. When he discovers that Lady Primrose is as interested in travel as he is, he finds himself entertaining foolish dreams.

'But then, through unexpected circumstances, they find themselves sharing a journey away from England, and everything changes for them both. For weeks, they are together constantly, away from the prying eyes of the ton, with only the chaperonage of Gabriel’s brother and his wife. It seems perfect, idyllic, until it becomes obvious that evil lurks in paradise.

'Can Gabriel save Primrose from the threat? Can he overcome his doubts of his own worth, and fight for what he truly desires?

'Can Primrose find the determination to reach for everything she has ever wanted, no matter the risk?

'And, more challenging than anything else, can they both find the courage to defy society for their love?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.